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Canyoneering Regulations

Protect The WildernessWilderness is a rare wild place where one can retreat from civilization, reconnect with the earth and find healing, meaning, and significance. Knowledge, respect, and understanding for these wild and undeveloped places will ensure that they remain spectacular for years to come. To learn more visit www.wilderness.net.

You can help preserve and protect the Zion Wilderness for future generations by following these regulations.

PermitsPermits are required for all technical canyoneering trips within the park. They are also required for the non-technical hikes into The Subway and The Narrows.

Group Size LimitsLarge groups produce increased impacts on the wilderness. The group size limit for The Subway is 12 people sharing the same affiliation (e.g., school, club, scout troop, family, and friends) in the same on the same day. Group size limits are strictly enforced. Permits will be denied and violators will be cited if limits are exceeded.

Avoid BoltingBolts should only be placed as a last result. Only use a bolt if there are no other safe options for creating an anchor. If bolts are used, they should be placed so that they will last for many years and will avoid scarring on the rock caused by rope pulls.

Guiding
Commercial guiding is not permitted in the Zion Wilderness

Prevent Bottlenecks
If a faster group catches up to you, allow them to pass.

Leave No TraceWhile traveling through the wilderness, please show respect for your national park and your fellow visitors.

Stay on the TrailIf you must leave the trail, avoid stepping on biological soil crusts. It can take decades to regrow and can be destroyed by a single step. Travel on slickrock and canyon bottoms whenever possible.

Pack It In, Pack It OutCarry all of your trash out of the wilderness, including toilet paper. Don't bury it, burn it, or leave it. Use a human waste disposal bag to transport your solid waste. If you do not have a disposal bag, waste can be buried in a small hole 4 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water and campsites.

Rock CairnsDo not build or destroy rock cairns. If placed incorrectly they can mislead visitors causing unnecessary damage to the resource and could lead to injury. Also, do not build structures including benches, tables and shelters. Leave the area in a natural state for others to enjoy.

Take Only PicturesIt is illegal to remove anything from the park. Leave the flowers, rocks, and everything else for others to enjoy.

Do Not Feed WildlifeFeeding wildlife human food is illegal and unhealthy. Animals can become aggressive when fed.

Preserve the SoundscapeAllow others to enjoy the peace and solitude of the park. Keep your group quiet and limit the size of your group.

FiresCampfires are not allowed in the wilderness.

ATVs and OHVsOff-road vehicles are not permitted in the park.

BicyclesBicycles are not permitted in the wilderness.

PetsPets are not allowed in the wilderness. Even well-behaved pets may disrupt wildlife and other visitors. Do not leave pets in vehicles. Boarding kennels are available in Rockville, Kanab, Hurricane, St. George, and Cedar City.

FirearmsFirearms are permitted in Zion National Park. As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal, Utah, and local laws, to possess firearms in the park. It is the visitor's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable Utah, local, and federal firearms laws. The discharge of firearms and hunting within the park are prohibited.